DATE: Sunday, July 13, 1997                 TAG: 9707110095

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: Travel-wise 

SOURCE: Stephen Harriman 

                                            LENGTH:   84 lines

TRAVEL VIA VIDEOTAPE TO CHECK OUT COLLEGES

FOR THOSE OF YOU whose upcoming ``vacation'' plans are focused on visiting schools to which your college-bound son or daughter has applied - or ones in which they are at least somewhat interested - here's a way you might save some money.

A group of New Jersey-based college advisers has put together student-guided videotape walking tours of more than 300 colleges. They're $15 each. Yor can't drive to Charlottesville and back for that; but it will buy you 101 minutes of the University of Virginia.

These are not the brief, slick, promotional videos offered by many colleges. These people are college advisers, not film makers. The narration and visuals are completely candid. They use no actors, no professional narrator, no script. Everything is completely candid - pretty much they way you would find it if you made the trip yourself.

I know a fellow who has used them - Jerry Morris, the travel editor of the Boston Globe. His son, Douglas, was considering George Washington U. They ordered a tape to see what the son had seen. According to Morris, ``The tape on George Washington, Doug said, was equal to his visit, and he even learned a few things from the video that he missed at the school.''

Should the tapes replace an actual visit to a school one is seriously considering? Of course not. But they do offer an excellent way to do some preliminary ``touring'' at a low cost. It's like doing your homework.

For a complete list of the college videos available (and running time), write Collegiate Choice Walking Tours, 41 Surrey Lane, Tenafly, N.J. 07670 or call (201) 871-0098; fax (201) 541-0384. Bunch of weenies

You may have some use for this: Owners of RVs, on average, plan to grill a total of 34 hot dogs during their travels this summer, says a survey released by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. Your money's worth

Irish Discovery Tour, beginning in 800-year-old Limerick, from $1,479 per person/double, includes air, six nights' accommodations, breakfast, five dinners including a medieval banquet at 15th century Bunratty Castle and dinner/cabaret at Jurys Hotel in Dublin, where trip ends. Depart Sundays through Oct. 5. Info: CIE Tours International (800) CIE-TOURS.

Alternatives to the mega-resorts of the Bahamas are featured in the free ``Small Treasures'' booklet, which profiles 12 small hotels and inns in Nassau and on nearby Paradise Island. Each profile includes a photograph, description, contact phones and, in all except one case, the rates. The daily room rates range from about $60 (at a guest house) to $645 (for a three-bedroom unit), plus taxes and other charges. To order, call (800) 327-9019.

For a free 720-page ``New Zealand Where to Stay Guide'' - with accommodations ranging from five-star resorts to backpaker hostels, call the New Zealand Tourism Board (800) 388-5494.

Want to see the new Hong Kong? Pacific Delight Tours and Northwest Airlines are offering a choice of three- to six-night stays at a choice of hotels, with prices starting at $890 from Seattle with an add-on fare of $60 from East Coast cities. The deal includes air fare, hotel, transfers and an island tour. The original promotion ended in June, but this one is extended through August. Travel agents have details, or call (800) 221-7179.

Hotel Reservations Network is offering a rebate of up to $30 for accommodations booked during July and August. The free reservations service features discounted hotel rooms in major cities around the country. Info: (800) 96-HOTEL.

The Plaza Hotel in New York City is celebrating its 90th anniversary with its ``90 Years for 90 Dollars'' program that offers rooms at $90 per person (double occupancy) per night through Sept. 1. The legendary hotel has been home to celebrities and kings throughout its history. Info: (800) 759-3000. Up, in smoke

Air France has introduced smokers' bars - one in economy, one for business and first class. This amenity is available to passengers on many flights, but not during meal service, and no pipes or cigars allowed. Fully enclosed by drapes and ventilated by special fans, it makes the rest of the plane entirely smoke-free. MEMO: Travelwise is compiled from wire-service reports, news releases,

trade journals, books, magazines and the deepest recesses of the

writer's mind. Send comments and questions to Travel-wise, The

Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. 23501-0449; phone (757) 446-2904.

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